Voiding dysfunction and urodynamic abnormalities in elderly patients

Role of circadian rhythms and melatonin in bladder function in heath and diseases

The circadian system modulates all visceral organ physiological processes including urine storage and voiding. The "master clock" of the circadian system lies within suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus while "peripheral clocks" are found in most peripheral tissue and organs, including the urinary bladder. Disruptions of circadian rhythms can cause organ malfunction and disorder or exacerbate pre-existing ones. It has been suggested that nocturia, which develops mostly in the elderly, could be a circadian-related disorder of the bladder. In the bladder, many types of gap junctions and ion channels in the detrusor, urothelium and sensory nerves are likely under strict local peripheral circadian control. The pineal hormone, melatonin, is a circadian rhythm synchroniser capable of controlling a variety of physiological processes in the body. Melatonin predominantly acts via the melatonin 1 and melatonin 2 G-protein coupled receptors expressed in the central nervous system, and many peripheral organs and tissues. Melatonin could be beneficial in the treatment of nocturia and other common bladder disorders. The ameliorating action of melatonin on bladder function is likely due to multiple mechanisms which include central effects on voiding and peripheral effects on the detrusor and bladder afferents. More studies are warranted to determine the precise mechanisms of circadian rhythm coordination of the bladder function and melatonin influences on the bladder in health and diseases.

Investigation of urinary disorders, functional independence, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between voiding disorders, functional independence, and quality of life, according to the gross motor function classification system, in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 8-17.

METHODS

A total of 102 individuals (aged 8-17) with CP were included in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS), Wee Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used to evaluate the clinical parameters.

RESULTS

There is a statistically significant difference in DVISS (p = 0.010), WeeFIM (p = 0.001), and PedsQL (p = 0.001) scores of individuals with CP regarding GMFCS. According to the CP classification, there is a statistically significant difference between WeeFIM (p = 0.001) and PedsQL (p = 0.020) scores. Besides, there is a significant difference between DVISS (p = 0.048), WeeFIM (p = 0.001) and PedsQL (p = 0.001) according to the ambulation status of individuals with CP. On the other hand, there is a positive moderate, statistically significant correlation between WeeFIM and PedsQL scores (ρ = 0.306, r = 0.002). A moderately negative statistically significant relationship exists between PedsQL and DVISS (ρ = -0.266, r = 0.007). A negative, moderate, statistically significant correlation was shown between DVISS and WeeFIM scores (ρ = -0.323, r = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As the gross motor functional level of individuals with CP increased, voiding dysfunction increased; on the other hand, functional independence and quality of life decreased.

Defining Voiding Dysfunction in Women: Bladder Outflow Obstruction versus Detrusor Underactivity

Purpose

We aimed to develop urodynamic criteria for more accurate diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

Initially, in a group of 68 consecutive women with LUTS and increased post-void residual who had undergone urodynamic investigation we examined the level of agreement between operating physician's diagnosis of BOO or DU and diagnosis according to urodynamic nomograms/indices, including the Blaivas-Groutz (B-G) nomogram, Urethral Resistance Association (URA), Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and Bladder Contractility Index (BCI). Based on the initial results, we categorized 160 women into four groups using B-G nomogram and URA (Group 1: severe-moderate BOO, Group 2: mild BOO and URA≥20, Group 3: mild BOO and URA<20 and Group 4: non-obstructed) and compared urodynamic parameters. Finally, we redefined women as obstructed (group 1+2) and non-obstructed (group 3+4) for sub-analysis.

Results

The agreement between B-G nomogram and physician's diagnosis was poor in the mild obstruction zone (kappa=0.308, p=0.01). Adding URA (cutoff value 20), an excellent level of agreement was reached (kappa=0.856, p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were found between the four groups (ANOVA) in maximum flow (Qmax) (p<0.0001), voided volume (VV) (p=0.042), post void residual (PVR) (p=0.032), BOOI (p<0.0001) and BCI (p<0.0001) with a positive linear trend for Qmax and VV and negative linear trend for PVR and BOOI from group 1 to 4. In the subanalysis all parameters were statistically different between obstructed and nonobstructive women except BCI (Qmax: p=0.0001, VV: p=0.0091, PVR: p=0.0005, BOOI: p=0.0001).

Conclusions

The combination of B-G nomogram with the URA parameter increases the accuracy of diagnosing BOO among women with LUTS. Based on this combination, most women in the mild obstruction zone of the B-G nomogram would be considered underactive rather than obstructed.

Do urodynamics provide a better understanding of voiding disorders in women over 80?

AIMS

Population ageing has as consequence an increasing number of women older than 80 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Despite old age, urodynamic study is often performed to diagnose the cause of LUTS. Our purpose is to discuss the contribution of urodynamics to manage that population.

METHODS

Urodynamic studies of 169 consecutive women older than 80 years, respectively 124 non-neurological (non-N) and 45 neurological (N), were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Number of co-morbidities was lower in non-N (2.5 vs. 3.1) with predominance of cardiovascular and endocrinology while musculo-skeletal, cognitive and previous pelvic surgery predominated in N. Among main complaint, incomplete retention or dysuria was more frequent in N while incontinence and frequency were predominant in non-N. More frequent urodynamic diagnosis (UD) was "normal" i.e. non contributive (25.0%) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD=21.7%) in non-N, detrusor overactivity (DO=42.2%) and detrusor underactivity (DU=38.8%) in N. In non-N, there were 94 treatment proposals based on the complaint when UD was "normal" and on UD for DO, DU and ISD. In N, treatment proposals were mainly prompted voiding or self-catheterization based on DU diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Usefulness of urodynamics to manage LUT dysfunction in women older than 80 y is greatly dependent on their neurological status. In non-neurological women this is non debatable but proposed treatment needs to take into account existing co-morbidities. In neurological women the main usefulness is to unmask DU and to propose the best management in order to avoid complete retention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Urethral Sphincter Injection as Treatment for Non-neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction - A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction including dysfunctional voiding and detrusor underactivity caused by a spastic or non-relaxing external urethral sphincter can theoretically be treated by injections of botulinum A toxin into the external urethral sphincter. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to determine the clinical efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA urethral sphincter injections in patients with dysfunctional voiding or detrusor underactivity. Patients with medically refractory dysfunctional voiding (n = 31) or detrusor underactivity (n = 31) were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to receive either onabotulinumtoxinA (100 U) (n = 38) or placebo (normal saline) (n = 24). There were no significant differences in subjective or objective parameters between patients who received onabotulinumtoxinA and those who received saline injection therapy, and the overall success rate was 43.5% (reduction in Patient perception of Bladder Condition by ≥2: onabotulinumtoxinA 36.8% vs placebo 54.2%, p = 0.114). The results were similar between the dysfunctional voiding and detrusor underactivity subgroups; however, a significant reduction in detrusor voiding pressure was only observed in dysfunctional voiding patients who received onabotulinumtoxinA. Repeat urethral sphincter onabotulinumtoxinA injections offered greater therapeutic effects in both dysfunctional voiding and detrusor underactivity patients. For patients with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction, the success rate of onabotulinumtoxinA urethral sphincter injection was not superior to placebo.

The efficacy of different doses of solifenacin in elderly patients after treating a urinary tract infection

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of solifenacin for correcting the residual symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB) in patients who were treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Patients and methods

Using random sampling, 524 patients aged >60 years were selected (347 women, 66.2%, and 177 men, 33.8%). They denied the presence of any symptoms of detrusor overactivity in their medical history, but had a diagnosis of a UTI. At least 1 month after the end of treatment and a laboratory confirmation of the absence of infection, each patient completed an OAB-Awareness Tool questionnaire (OAB signs, total score 8 points), and a noninvasive examination of urinary function (uroflowmetry).

Each day patients in group A took solifenacin 10 mg and those in group B took 5 mg, with patients in group C being given a placebo.

Results

During the study 58.8% of patients had symptoms of an OAB at 1 month after the end of the treatment for a UTI, and normal laboratory markers. During treatment with the standard and higher dose of solifenacin, within 8 weeks most variables of the condition of the lower urinary tract reached a normal state or improved.

Conclusion

Patients aged >60 years who had been treated for a UTI have a high risk of developing symptoms of an OAB. Solifenacin in standard doses is an efficient and safe means of managing overactive detrusor symptoms after a UTI.

Influence of different doses of trospium and solifenacin on manageability of OAB symptoms with different severity in elderly men and women

Objective:

We studied the rationale for using standard and increased dosages of solifenacin and trospium against overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of different severity among elderly patients.

Methods:

A total of 327 patients took part in the study: 199 women and 128 men older than 65 years (median age 69.1). The state of the lower urinary tracts was estimated by cystometry, ICIQ-SF and bladder diaries. Frequency of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) was taken as a criterion of OAB symptom severity.

Result:

Administration of double-dosed trospium and solifenacin leads to decrease of frequency of UUI both in the group with severe symptoms (B1: 6.1 (0.5) →2.4 (0.9), p ⩽ 0.05), and in the group with moderate symptoms of OAB (A1: 2.8 (0.8) →0.5 (0.4), p ⩽ 0.001). Under a combination of trospium and solifenacin in doses recommended by manufacturers, UUI decreased authentically in the group with moderate symptoms (A2: 2.9 (0.5) →0.9 (0.5), p ⩽ 0.05) and unauthentically in the group with severe symptoms of detrusor dysfunction (B2: 7.0 (1.2) → 4.3 (1.5), p ⩾ 0.05). During the experiment six patients (1.8%) elected not to participate because of intolerable adverse events. Forty-seven more individuals (14.4%) felt adverse effects, among which the most frequent were: xerostomia (15 patients or 4.6%), faintness (nine patients or 3.8%), dryness of integuments (six patients or 1.8%).

Conclusion:

A standard-dose combination of solifenacin and trospium in older patients with moderate symptoms of OAB enables a good therapeutic effect in a short time without increasing risk of side effects. High therapeutic doses of antimuscarinic drugs are reasonable for older men and women with severe symptoms of OAB. Increasing the dose of simultaneous use of solifenacin and trospium yields a good therapeutic effect to correct UUI; however, it raises the hazard of appearance of adverse effects. The number of side effects in the group of elderly individuals who were taking the combination of increased and standard dosages of solifenacin and trospium does not significantly differ.

Urinary dysfunction with detrusor hyperactivity in women with Parkinson's disease cannot be blamed as a factor of worsening motor performance

Introduction Detrusor hyperactivity is the leading cause of urinary dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). There are few studies correlating PD clinical aspects with this autonomic feature. Methods A cohort of 63 women with PD were prospectively examined for assessment of clinical aspects and disease severity using unified Parkinson's disease rating scale and Hoehn-Yahr scale, respectively. The urologic function was evaluated by the urodynamic study. Two groups were categorized at this time - groups with and without detrusor hyperactivity. After seven years, the same parameters were re-evaluated. Results Progression of the disease on mental scores was found in the group with detrusor hyperactivity. On follow-up, clinical symptoms and severity did not show significant worsening between the groups. Conclusion Detrusor hyperactivity is a frequent urodynamic finding in PD, and even though it is associated with dopaminergic dysfunction, it cannot be blamed as a factor of worsening motor performance, but is probably associated with poor cognitive and mental prognosis.

The effect of in vitro oxidative stress on the female rabbit bladder contractile response and antioxidant levels

Introduction. There are several bladder dysfunctions that are associated with oxidative stress to the urinary bladder. Two experimental models are known to cause this type of bladder damage. The first is direct oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The second is oxidative damage caused by ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R). The specific aim of this study is to directly compare these two models of oxidative stress. Methods. Six adult female NZW rabbits were divided into two groups of three rabbits each. Eight full thickness strips from three rabbit bladders were taken for in vitro ischemia/reperfusion physiological analysis, while eight strips from three rabbit bladders were taken for in vitro H2O2 physiological analysis. All tissue was analyzed for total antioxidant activity (AA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, samples of the water baths were also analyzed for AA. Results. In vitro I/R reduced the response to field stimulation (FS) to a significantly greater extent than the inhibition of the response to carbachol. In vitro H2O2 decreased all responses to approximately the same degree. Total AA levels at higher concentrations of H2O2 for all bath fluids were significantly higher than controls. MDA levels were significantly elevated in both models of oxidative stress.

Noninvasive urodynamic evaluation

The longevity of the world's population is increasing, and among male patients, complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are growing. Testing to diagnose LUTS and to differentiate between the various causes should be quick, easy, cheap, specific, not too bothersome for the patient, and noninvasive or minimally so. Urodynamic evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) but presents some inconveniences such as embarrassment, pain, and dysuria; furthermore, 19% of cases experience urinary retention, macroscopic hematuria, or urinary tract infection. A greater number of resources in the diagnostic armamentarium could increase the opportunity for selecting less invasive tests. A number of groups have risen to this challenge and have formulated and developed ideas and technologies to improve noninvasive methods to diagnosis BOO. These techniques start with flowmetry, an increase in the interest of ultrasound, and finally the performance of urodynamic evaluation without a urethral catheter. Flowmetry is not sufficient for confirming a diagnosis of BOO. Ultrasound of the prostate and the bladder can help to assess BOO noninvasively in all men and can be useful for evaluating the value of BOO at assessment and during treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients in the future. The great advantages of noninvasive urodynamics are as follows: minimal discomfort, minimal risk of urinary tract infection, and low cost. This method can be repeated many times, permitting the evaluation of obstruction during clinical treatment. A urethral connector should be used to diagnose BOO, in evaluation for surgery, and in screening for treatment. In the future, noninvasive urodynamics can be used to identify patients with BOO to initiate early medical treatment and evaluate the results. This approach permits the possibility of performing surgery before detrusor damage occurs.

Urodynamics in a community-dwelling population of females 80 years or older. Which motive? Which diagnosis?

PURPOSE

To determine why community-dwelling women aged 80 years or over were referred for urodynamic evaluation despite their advanced age and which urodynamic diagnosis was made.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred consecutive females (80-93 years) were referred to our urodynamics outpatient clinic for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between 2005 and 2008. Clinical evaluation comprised of a previous history of LUTS, previous medical history of neurological disease or dementia, pelvic floor dysfunction or prior pelvic surgery. Exclusion criteria were complete retention and severe dementia involving failure to understand simple instructions. Assessed items were results of uroflows (free flow and intubated flow), cystometry and urethral pressure profilometry, and final urodynamic diagnosis.

RESULTS

The main complaint evoked by the patients was incontinence (65.0%) of which 61.5% was "complicated" and urgency was reported by 70.0%. Interpretable free flow at arrival was very low (44.0%). Prevalence of detrusor overactivity was high, found in 45 patients of whom 16 had detrusor hyperactivity with impaired detrusor contractility. Detrusor overactivity and urgency were strongly associated (p = 0.004). Twenty-five patients had intrinsic sphincteric deficiency alone and 15 detrusor underactivity.

CONCLUSION

In this particular community-dwelling with an elderly female population, urodynamics is easily feasible. Incontinence, mainly "complicated" is the more frequent complaint and urgency the more frequent symptom. Urodynamic diagnosis underlines the high incidence of detrusor overactivity as well as impaired detrusor function.

Confronting the challenges of postmenopausal urogenital health

The global population is aging, especially in Western industrialized nations. In the USA, 38% of adults are over the age of 45 and 13% of adults are over the age of 65 years. Moreover, postmenopausal women now comprise 60% of adults aged over 65 years of age, a proportion that will rise as the population ages. This article reviews some of the more common urogenital health issues among older women. Changes to urogenital morphology and physiology are discussed, highlighting the impact on tissue atrophy, sexuality, prevalence of certain vulvar dermatoses, susceptibility to infection and urinary continence. We review treatment approaches, challenge some of the current paradigms and discuss the need for future research.

Acute urinary retention in elderly men

Acute urinary retention is a urologic emergency that can affect elderly men. It requires prompt bladder decompression and identification of the underlying cause. Elderly patients with acute urinary retention often have associated fecal impaction, delirium, and constitutional symptoms. With increasing age, hospitalization for acute urinary retention may be necessary to treat precipitating events, whereas acute urinary retention itself might precipitate or exacerbate comorbid medical conditions, necessitating hospitalization. Multiple causative factors operate via 3 main mechanisms: obstructive, neurogenic, and detrusor underactivity. More than 1 mechanism might exist in a single patient. Definitive treatment must be individualized on the basis of the quality of life, life expectancy, caregiver support, and presence of other chronic medical conditions. Urology consultation may be needed for invasive diagnostic testing or management of refractory cases.

An overview of stress urinary incontinence treatment in women

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in women, but it is under-reported and under-treated. We review here the management of SUI in women. Pelvic floor muscle training treats SUI in the majority of female patients, whereas anti-SUI devices are not widely accepted. Duloxetine has been approved for treating SUI. Suburethral slings have revolutionized the surgical management of SUI with durable efficacy, in contrast with injectable bulking agents.